Penguins Stay in Hunt for Playoffs, Leafs Gain on Panthers

The Pittsburgh Penguins stayed alive in their hunt for a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs Monday although they remain on the outside looking in.

The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled within three points of the Florida Panthers, however, as they beat the Penguins 3-2 on Monday night.

Pittsburgh saw its four-game winning streak snapped in the loss after Jack McCabe scored 1:30 into overtime.

The Penguins are tied with Detroit for the final playoff spot — they have played one extra game — but are only a point behind the Islanders for third in the Metro.

Toronto cut its gap on the Panthers, something coach Paul Maurice mentioned in practice Monday.

It sounds like Florida is going to play its normal lineup for the next two games and then see where things stand before deciding how to go into the final two.

“We will make a decision on the value of the Buffalo-Toronto series and if there is any value,” Maurice said when asked about alternating his goalies in the final four games. “If we’re in striking distance (of the Atlantic) we will consider it, if we can close out home ice, we’ll consider it.’’